Alps get first major snowfall since December
See where the snow has fallen this week in the latest resort overview from the Ski Club.
This week brought another period of frequently changing conditions in the Alps, with plenty of fresh snow across the entire region over the course of the week. The southern French Alps and Southern Alps are likely to see their first major snowfall since December, a welcome arrival for these resorts.
Snowfall continued over New England and Quebec, with dropping temperatures improving the conditions across resorts in Vermont and Maine especially, with Stowe and Smugglers Notch as standouts. In the central Rockies, a dry period is likely to remain in place until early February, although bluebird conditions will give perfect opportunities to enjoy the mid-January snowfall.
Fantastic snowfall continued across the Pyrenees, giving much improved skiing in the French, Andorran and Spanish resorts in the region.
Based on current weather forecasts, the top three resorts for expected snowfall are:
Formigal, Spain, 246cm
La Grave, France, 294cm
Cauterets, France, 171cm
Austria
The snow over the coming days is falling primarily over the south and west of the Alps rather than resorts in Austria, although there remains a level of uncertainty with current forecasts as there are a number of low pressure systems working their way though and towards Europe, so there is less certainty longer term.
France
Most resorts are forecast for fresh snow from at least Wednesday if not earlier. Accumulations are likely to be heaviest on Friday 1st February, and central western resorts such as Alpe d’ Huez and Les Deux Alpes could receive upwards of 70cm.
Switzerland
Clouds are likely to roll in across Switzerland on Wednesday, with light snow predicted to turn heavier over Friday and Saturday. St Moritz and Pontresnia are worth keeping an eye on, with over 55cm of snow expected on Friday 1st February.
Italy
The coming few days will see continuing light snowfall across much of the country, before falling far more heavily on Friday and Saturday across much of the southern alps.
Andorra
The mountains look to be in far better shape, and with plenty of snowfall on the way, this should improve further still.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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